"At this point, there are no contaminants in the smoke," said Chief Redden.

The plume of smoke can be seen for miles as the fire rages at Franklin Iron and Metal on First Street in Dayton. Jennifer Williams said, "We first thought it was just the fog, but then we saw the big plume of smoke and it was absolutely amazing."

Redden said fighting the fire has become a costly effort with 1,200 gallons of foam used so far to try and suppress the fire. Over 3,000 cars and thousands of appliances are fueling the flames that we first reported around 4:30 a.m. Thursday.

"The white smoke that you see is where the foam is becoming effective. The dark is where it is burning the contents of the cars," said Redden.

News Center 7 Reporter Gabrielle Enright was on the scene all day Thursday and reported hearing numerous explosions. Fire officials believed the explosions were caused by gasoline still in the cars in the scrap yard.

District Chief Flemming said, "There is no way we can put it out. All we can do is try to keep what is not burning from burning."

Authorities said a firefighter from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base collapsed due to heat exhaustion and was taken to the hospital. He is expected to be okay.

School leaders in Dayton and surrounding areas had to make some changes. Most schools canceled recess and kept students indoors. There were no reports of any problems.

Officials said the Dayton Dragons game is still on as scheduled, but if the wind shifts towards Fifth-Third Field, they may ask the Dragons to postpone their game.

Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management has established a rumor control line for residents who are wanting information about the fire. Officials said operators are standing by to answer any questions at 225-6217.

Officials said traffic flow is affected by ongoing firefighting efforts at the Franklin Iron and Metal yard at 2015 E. First St. Drivers are advised to avoid the area of East First St., which is closed to traffic between Garfield and Burlington.

The following intersections are closed: * East First and Findlay * Springfield and Torrence * Springfield and Garfield

The public entrance to Tech Metals on Springfield Street is closed.

Stay tuned to News Center 7 and whiotv.com for more on this developing story.